Abstract:

To address the Navy's needs for a multi-band, pulsed, high average power transmitter for IRCM applications, Bridger Photonics, Inc., in collaboration with NP Photonics proposes a novel solution for nonlinear frequency conversion of a unique 2.0 micron Thulium fiber laser that will achieve the Navy"s desired laser specifications in a single, compact, and efficient package. This system will capitalize on Bridger"s expertise in nonlinear conversion and the manufacture of MWIR lasers, along with a very attractive emerging nonlinear material to offer, 1) The highest conversion efficiency into the MWIR and LWIR, 2)Continuous, narrowband (<1cm-1), tunability throughout the entire MWIR and LWIR regions of interest, and 3) A flexible, robust, compact form factor nonlinear conversion subsassembly. In addition this system will capitalize on NP Photonics'expertise in the manufacture of fiber lasers and their existing proprietary design for a PRF selectable, high average power, high-peak-power, pulsed 2.0 micron Thulium fiber laser as a pump source for the nonlinear conversion subsystem to offer 1) The highest average power 500kHz Thulium fiber laser that exhibits single frequency, transform-limited, 2.0 ns pulses, 2)Selectable, rapid PRF switching, and 3) An efficient, compact, robust form factor pump subassembly.